Fresno Leader

Deputies have arrested 41 year old Carl Joseph Mendes of Laton on a misdemeanor charge of child neglect. Mendes will likely face charges of animal cruelty soon.

On Friday, someone passing by the area of W. Mt. Whitney and Chestnut Avenues in Laton reported noticing deceased animals at a family farm. Deputies arrived and contacted Mendes, where they discovered approximately 300 animals malnourished and not properly cared for, with dozens of animals found deceased.

Members of Fresno Humane Animal Services responded to the scene to investigate and will determine the additional criminal charges Mendes will face. The organization is currently in the process of seizing all animals on the property, prioritizing those in urgent need of care.

Deputies also found that four teenage children were living at the unsanitary and unlivable home on the property, leading to Mendes' arrest for child endangerment. Fresno County Child Protective Services is working to separate the children from the property and provide necessary care for them.

Authorities urge anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (559) 600-3111 or Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. Informants will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by referencing case #24-5014.

Carl Mendes, the arrested individual, faces charges related to child endangerment and potential animal cruelty as the investigation unfolds.